Max Ananyev – The Way to the Ocean

Max Ananyev keeps things to the essentials on the subdued intimate moods of “The Way to the Ocean”. Arrangements possess a meditative quality to them. Everything has such a glorious balance. Guitar and mandolin playing drives the entirety of the album for Max Ananyev utilizes an expressive quality, allowing every tone a great amount of space to roam. Over the course of the album a journey of sorts takes place. Songs build up, one after the other. With each piece serving as a chapter to an ever-expanding story, the album has a narrative which unfolds in such a graceful manner. The usage of silence further adds to the appeal of the album for Max Ananyev gives every sound room to breathe.

Wordless vocals introduce the album on “Spring”. Spirited playing sets the mood for the rest of album. Quieter in nature “Golden Section” allows for a great deal of space to emerge over the course of the piece as it reveals a mysterious hue. Resonant with its somber tones “Nostalgia” chooses a unique style, one that has a calming repetition to it. Sparkling with its gracious approach “9” may be the highlight of the album, imbued with a great deal of optimism. Everything comes together so leisurely on “Blue-gray Shad of the Sky”. A little shadowy with its delicate musings “White Night” gives the shimmering gestures a true grace. Bringing everything to a close “Ocean Coast” draws from all that came before in a most blissful manner with a just perfect tinge of wistfulness.

On “The Way to the Ocean” Max Ananyev delves into a soothing world, one which waves over with a pastoral, peaceful quality.